Bacchus Marsh

Bacchus Marsh lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bacchus Marsh is around 7,914. This figure reflects an increase of 106 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,808. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,818 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 722 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bacchus Marsh has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%, outpacing Greater Melbourne. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting with a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, expected to expand by 1,432 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 16.9% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bacchus Marsh when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bacchus Marsh has recorded around 31 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 159 homes. So far in FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 3.1 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25. Given this supply-demand imbalance, buyer competition is heightened, leading to pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $431,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $3.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh shows substantially reduced construction, with 84.0% fewer new properties per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 228 people per dwelling approval, Bacchus Marsh shows characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Bacchus Marsh will gain 1,336 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Bacchus Marsh has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Ten projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include Bacchus Marsh Central, Bacchus Marsh Grammar - Maddingley Campus Expansion, Summerfield North Estate, and Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Masterplan Redevelopment (Stages 2 & 3).

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Bacchus Marsh has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bacchus Marsh has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4%. As of December 2025, 3900 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation lagged at 63.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 22.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area had a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employed only 6.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force by 2.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bacchus Marsh's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Bacchus Marsh had median taxpayer income of $52,022 and average income of $65,597. Nationally, median income was $57,688 and average was $75,164 in Greater Melbourne. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $57,027 (median) and $71,907 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%. Census data from 2021 ranks Bacchus Marsh household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 36th and 43rd percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 32.2% of residents (2,548 people), similar to broader area patterns at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Bacchus Marsh is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Bacchus Marsh, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 84.5% houses and 15.5% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's structure of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bacchus Marsh stood at 34.0%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 39.2% and rented dwellings comprising 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700 as of 2016, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Bacchus Marsh was recorded at $330, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bacchus Marsh's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bacchus Marsh features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.1% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Bacchus Marsh aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (26.2%). Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.4% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Bacchus Marsh has 31 active public transport stops. Two routes service these stops, offering a total of 576 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically living 269 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, primarily using cars (90%). On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 22.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 82 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bacchus Marsh is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Bacchus Marsh faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~4,177 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.8% and 9.3% of residents respectively. 63.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,851 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Bacchus Marsh ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bacchus Marsh had cultural diversity levels below average, with 88.4% citizens, 83.4% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.8%. The 'Other' category appeared overrepresented at 2.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

In ancestry, English (28.7%) and Australian (27.1%) were significantly higher than regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4% respectively. Irish ancestry was also notable at 10.2%. Certain ethnic groups showed significant differences: Maltese at 2.4% (vs regional 1.1%), Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.8%), and Scottish at 8.9% (vs 5.6%).

Bacchus Marsh's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Bacchus Marsh is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (9.4% locally vs. an average), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (13.4%). According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.6% to 9.4%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for Bacchus Marsh in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 39%, reaching 1,031 people from 743. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 52% of the anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to decline by 7 people.